When he was small, my youngest son had a habit of filling his pockets with treasures he encountered in his daily adventures. I didn't always understand the value he saw in his chosen objects -- really, how many rocks and sticks could one boy keep? In his eyes, though, each one was beautiful and important. Life is just like that on a larger scale, isn't it? We gather up the precious bits of our experiences and save them all to learn from and enjoy later. Perhaps you'll find a little something here that you'd like to keep in your own pockets. Thanks for visiting.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Banana split freezer pops (gluten-free, vegan)

The boys were at home all day today because it was a P.A. Day at school. In the midst of several very busy weeks, it was really nice to have a free afternoon to hang out with them by the pool and to hear them laughing and having fun together. The weather was hot and felt very summery, and as is usual for this time of year, I was inspired to think of new ideas for frozen treats that I could make for everyone to enjoy cooling off with.

We sometimes like to make banana splits for dessert after dinner on summer days, using coconut milk ice cream with pineapple, strawberries, cherries, a drizzle of dark chocolate, and some chopped walnuts for toppings. I figured why not do all of the prep work in advance and make banana split freezer pops that could be easily enjoyed when the weather called for them. These pops are full of fresh fruit and have no added sugar (other than what is in the dark chocolate) -- they're a naturally sweet and delicious summer treat!Banana Split Freezer Pops

Place the two bananas, the pineapple chunks, and the coconut milk in a food processor and process on high speed, stopping once to scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary, until a smooth mixture forms. Gently stir in the finely chopped strawberries and cherries.

Pour or spoon the mixture into popsicle molds (or into eight 5 oz. Dixie cups, as I did). Place a popsicle stick in the centre of each mold, and set the molds in the freezer for several hours, or until the pops are frozen solid.

Once the pops are frozen, melt the dark choocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Working quickly, remove the banana split pops from their molds, and drizzle dark chocolate over the top of each one with a spoon. Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts over top of the chocolate immediately after drizzling it on each pop, before the chocolate hardens. Return the finished pops to the freezer for a few minutes to allow chocolate to set completely. Serve and enjoy!

Are you looking for some other cool (and healthy) treats to enjoy now that hot summery days have arrived? You may also like these frosty fudge pops, or these frosty fruit pops in several different flavours. Yum!﻿

I apparently haven't had enough coffee yet this morning :)...once you drizzle the chocolate over the top, you return them to the dixie cups to set up? The chocolate will stay on the popsicle? Sigh...it seems common sense no longer kicks in before the third cup of coffee..lol. Thanks, these look wonderful!

Hi KatieDid. Don't worry -- I don't think it's your lack of coffee! I should have been a little more clear with that step. :) Once I drizzled the chocolate on the pops, I just set them carefully on a baking sheet to put them back in the freezer for the chocolate to set. (No need to return them to the dixie cups.) Hope that helps!

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About Me

I'm Lisa, once a high school English teacher, now Mom to two smart, funny boys. I turned to writing during my sons' early years to give my brain the activity it was craving, and sharing stories, ideas, and recipes here became an important creative outlet for me. When I'm not trying to make sure my boys don't dismantle my laptop for parts so they can build some new invention they've dreamed up, I love to read, garden, dance, walk outdoors, experiment in my kitchen, and think big thoughts. I still like to write stuff down to keep my head from exploding.